Legal Definitions - comstockery

Definition: Comstockery refers to censorship or attempted censorship of art or literature that is considered immoral or obscene.

Example: In the late 1800s, Anthony Comstock was a prominent figure in the United States who advocated for the suppression of materials he deemed obscene or immoral. He successfully lobbied for the passage of the Comstock Act, which made it illegal to send any "obscene, lewd, or lascivious" materials through the mail.

Explanation: The term "comstockery" is derived from Anthony Comstock's name and his efforts to censor materials he found objectionable. The example illustrates how Comstock's actions led to the censorship of art and literature that he deemed immoral or obscene. This type of censorship is often associated with conservative or puritanical values and is seen as a violation of free speech and artistic expression.